Utilizing evidence-based screening tools are essential for assessing the severity and immediacy of suicide risk in crisis settings. The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) is a six-item tool that assesses for the severity and intensity of ideation, behavior, and lethality. It can be administered by anyone and is able to be used in a variety of settings. A PDF version is available and has been translated into 150 different languages. For more on the C-SSRS by setting and user, the Columbia Lighthouse Project offers a wealth of information for use by various settings and personnel types.
Addressing the Youth Mental Health Crisis
Part of the APA’s 2023 Trends Report, this article highlights what providers are doing to address the youth mental health crisis that has been exacerbated by not just the COVID-19 pandemic, but growing concerns about social media, mass violence, natural disasters, climate change, and political polarization.
California’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI)
The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative was announced in July 2021 with a $4.4B investment to enhance, expand and redesign the systems that support behavioral health for children and youth. The goal of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative is to reimagine mental health and emotional well-being for ALL children, youth, and families in California by delivering equitable, appropriate, timely and accessible behavioral health services and supports.
Kids, Teens and Young Adults
One of NAMI’s main goals is to ensure that people get help early. Since mental health conditions typically begin during childhood, adolescence or young adulthood, we have compiled essential information and resources intended to help young people get the mental health support they need.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
SAMHSA’s new 988 website serves as a one-stop-shop for 988 resources. It explains what 988, the new suicide and crisis lifeline, does and provides information relevant to anyone working to strengthen suicide prevention and mental health crisis services.